Metallic structural element for buildings



March 12, 1929.

' IB'I'ALLIO STRUCTURAL ELEMENT FOR BUILDINGS e. HUGHES 1,704,745

Filed Nov. 10, 1925 1I II I II! i I l 95 .1 I

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Patented Mar. 12, 1929.

GEORGE HUGHES, OF CANTON, OHIO.

METALLIC STRUCTURAL ELEBEENT FOB BUILDINGS.

Application filed November 10, 19535. Serial No. 68,142.

This invention as indicated, relates to metallic structures, and more particularly to metallic door and window sash construction.

Among the objects of the invention are the provision of a strong yet light construction which is adaptable for use in various relations, and theprovision of a simple. and effective manner of connecting the elements of the structure. v v

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the inventionv then, consists of the means hereinafter fully de scribed and particularly pointed out in the claim, the annexed drawing and the followin description setting forth but one of the viii-ions v-rays in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawing Fig. 1 is an elevation of a door construction in accordance with my invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the stile, the section being taken on the plane indicated by the line 11-11, Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the'bottom rail, the section being taken on the plane indicated by the line IHHI, Fig. 1; Fig. l is a transverse section of a blank in course of formation into a stile; Fig. 5 1s atransverse sectionshowmetric view of the key element.

In the form of the invention illustrated, a

lank of suitable sheet metal is shaped, ordinarily for instance sheet steel, with beading or as desired, into a general longitudinal bevel ofl'set at 2 and is longitudinally flanged as at 3 and again at 4 (Fig. 4). The side wings 6 are now bent in or folded along longitudinal right angle folds at 7 so as to present spaced parallel lateral. walls 5, 6, and allow the margins to converge generally bevolwise, with the flanges interiorly and directed parallel and then outwardly, as in Fig. n this manner, framing elements, as stiles and rails, may be formed f as required. The panel can be of two sheets spaced apart throughout but united. at the edges, or of one sheet flanged over orthiclv ened at the edges tofit the recess between the flanges of the stile, etc; To look the parts together, key elements 11 are driven in longitudinally along the flanges 8, a central abutment 12 of the key acting as a support to the flanges and engaging the edge generally of the panel, the key having suitable resiliency ing a further stage; and Fig. 6 is an isoand firmness to bind the flanges against the panel, the key for each rail or stllebeing placed in its position as'these respective ele- V ments are successively assembled. The bottom rail has an openingin its lower edge through w-hichthe key for the last-assembled stile can be inserted.

In assembling, the preferable procedure is to bring the top rail and the panel together, with the edge of the panel between the flanges of the rail, and a key is then driven in along and embracing the flanges. A stile is then similarly placed with an edge of the pannel between the flanges of the stile and a key is driven along the flanges; similarly the bottom rail and other stile are brought into position and fastened with the panel. The key for the last stile is inserted through the opening in the lower edge of the bottom rail, the opening being then closed, if desired, by a closure element 14, which'is secured, for instance by welding or solder It will be understood that the panel membercan be of metal, wood or glass, and that while I have referred more particularly to a door in the foregoing, my construction may be used in doors, tions, etc.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of windows, or parti- I 1 therefore particularly point out anddis V tinctly claim as my invention In a-metallic structure of the character. described, the combination of stiles and'upper and lower rails having spaced parallel lateral walls and interior flanges, said flanges having spaced, straight parallel walls and laterally-turnededges, a. panel member engaged at imir ins between the parah lel Willi-S of said flanges, and keys embracing said flanges. said keys ljiaving ahcentral abutment with parallel; walls to engage the parallel" walls of said flanges and having lateral resilient margins to bear against the outside faces of the parallel wallsvof the flanges angularly, said lower railfhaving'an opening-in its lower edge foradmission of the stile key.- I r I Signedby'me this 7th day'of November,

, enonon HUGHES; 

